Violent Crime
741/100K
95% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.0%
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.1%
264% higher than US avg
How Dale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population622
Median Age66.2 yrs
Density262/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 9%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
Per Capita$22,930
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty45.1%
County GDP$12,873M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$392,649
Housing Units338
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent741/100K
Property6,898/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured13.7%
Smoking14.8%
Depression16.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain53.6 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.0%
High School+83.9%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Broadband43.3%
EV Stations13
Libraries7
Is Dale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dale receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Dale faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 45.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
With 741 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,898 per 100,000, 252% above the national average.
Education
11.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Dale enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dale has a population of 622 with a density of 262 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 66.2 years, 70% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (89.2%), with 9.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
66.2yrs
Median Age
70% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $22,930 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,053, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 45.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,748 business establishments, including 590 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $22,930 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,053 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $116,088 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.1% |
| 264% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,748 |
| County GDP | $12,873M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 590 |
| Healthcare | 573 |
| Retail | 806 |
| Manufacturing | 88 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,407 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 60.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $392,649. Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 338 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $6,407 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 338 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,407 |
| 83% above US avg |
In Dale, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 41.0% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 15.7% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 16.9% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 13.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,442. The dentist ratio is 1:811. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 16.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,442 |
| Dentists | 1:811 |
| Mental Health | 1:502 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,369/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 573 |
Dale has a violent crime rate of 741 per 100,000 residents, 95% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,898 per 100,000, 252% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 22 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 741.0/100K |
| 95% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,898.4/100K |
| 252% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 10 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.3°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 262/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.5554°N, 80.7016°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Beaufort County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lowcountry Regional (RBW)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.6"
41% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.9 on Jun 18, 2022.
| Aug 21, 1992 |
1 km SSE of Centerville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
69 km |
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| Apr 17, 1995 |
0 km NNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
70 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
24 km SSE of Kiawah Island, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Nov 13, 1990 |
4 km SSW of Ladson, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Aug 29, 2009 |
2 km NE of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
74 km |
| Jul 20, 2004 |
7 km WSW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
63 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
73 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Mar 19, 2014 |
0 km WNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| Mar 29, 1999 |
3 km NNW of Sangaree, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
77 km |
| Jul 7, 2002 |
1 km NW of Sangaree, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
76 km |
| Feb 7, 1990 |
9 km S of Centerville, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
64 km |
| Mar 2, 2003 |
7 km S of Centerville, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
65 km |
| May 12, 2010 |
6 km SSW of Ladson, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| Jul 31, 2012 |
5 km S of Centerville, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
67 km |
| Jul 16, 2002 |
5 km SSW of Ladson, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
68 km |
| May 1, 2004 |
3 km ENE of Goose Creek, South Carolina |
M2.7 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
282 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
271 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
135 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
149 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
54 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
198 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
244 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
114 km |
| 2004 |
Alex |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
195 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
255 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
148 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 3 |
272 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
254 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
220 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
89 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
289 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
336 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 236 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF4 |
58 km |
5 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1998 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1960 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2015 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1886 |
CHARLESTON, SC |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
76 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,269 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,269 |
21 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,746 |
18 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,521 |
43 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,469 |
37 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,990 |
39 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,906 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,880 |
42 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,845 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,748 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,661 |
13 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,650 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,553 |
39 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
2,549 |
42 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,547 |
36 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,503 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,475 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,463 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,446 |
4 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,335 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,214 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
58°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
58°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Dale has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 48°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.9") and November the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Dale. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $861 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $784 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $596 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dale
What is the population of Dale?
Dale has a population of 622 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 262 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 66.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Dale expensive to live in?
Dale is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Dale safe?
Public safety is a concern in Dale, with a violent crime rate of 741 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,898 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dale?
Dale enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dale?
The job market in Dale is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,053. There are 7,748 business establishments in the area, including 590 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Dale?
Schools in Dale score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.0% of adults in Dale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dale?
The obesity rate in Dale is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 16.9% of residents report depression. 13.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,442.
What are the demographics of Dale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dale is 9.2% White, 89.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.2% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
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